A free education program for carers who provide physical, emotional or financial care to someone with a disability, mental illness, chronic illness or a frail aged person will start at Milton Hospital on October 13.

The program will be run by Shoalhaven Carer Program coordinator Kerrie Deville and Jennifer Wightman from the ‘Your Time’ Carer Counselling and Support Program.

Carers may care for a few hours a week, or as is often the case, for more than 40 hours per week. 

Carers do not need to be living with the person they care about and they do not need to be in receipt of a carer allowance or payment.

Kerrie said often the education programs are the first time those caring for a relative or friend have an opportunity to really recognise what it means to be a carer.

“Most people just see it as an extension of their relationship with the person they care for as a husband, daughter, son or friend,” she said.

“They are experts in what effect the illness or disability is having on their loved one, but can often be unaware of the toll their caring role is having on themselves.

“The education and information groups can be a way for people to connect with each other in the face of similar experiences and challenges and learn from each other.”

The education program covers areas such as the emotional aspects of caring, how to access care support and respites services, stress management and relaxation, practical caring tips and financial and legal information.

For anyone who would like to come along to the education program or obtain further information they should contact Kerrie Deville on 0422 004 119 or Jenny Wightman on 4424 7100. 

Registrations are due to close on Thursday, October 9. 

The workshop is being held in The Cottage Meeting Room, Cancer Services Centre, Milton Hospital, from 10am to 3pm. 

Morning tea and lunch are provided.

If you need additional help to be able to attend, call the Carer Respite Centre on 1800 052 222.